Emily Dickson (She/ her)

Reading ‘Fractals’; patterns we observe in both art and nature, leads an exploration into where landscapes follow perfect regularity, yet celebrate beauty in its imperfections.

The inspiration and primary research for my graduate collection focus on the natural landscape, the colours, highlights, tones, textures and naturally occurring patterns. Such as the layers of shale rocks in quarries, the quality of lines and rigid structure, and the soft ripples of waves next to the curves in the sand. The points at which these materials meet, an investigation into the contrast and juxtaposition of both texture and colour.

Alongside the varying scales and shapes of textures and colours we touch while travelling through the landscape, my final collection of work has taken inspiration from the layering system of outdoor clothing, I was interested, conceptually, in how we move through a landscape as people; whether it be scrambling up rocks, walking over the peaks of hills or wading through valley rivers. The natural environment and hiking can be a space of comfort and serenity, but it can also be dangerous, so it is instilled in us the importance of safety when walking through the layering of your clothing; a fine gauge breathable base layer, a cosy insulative and protective shell.

I have played with using both subtle and contrast shades, translating these qualities into a men’s fashion collection, creating both surface and dimensional texture through knit techniques and natural fibres. The varying shades and tones seen in the work have allowed me to use up small quantities of waste yarn, combining them to create a painterly effect in larger designs.